I-81 Replacement

The NYS DOT is mitigating noise and air pollution in the densely populated area when the first spans of the viaduct are removed.

Crews begin removing the seven southernmost spans as part of Contract 5. The state DOT is holding an open house Wednesday.

The changes include the closure of the ramp from I-481 southbound to I-81 north, the opening of a new E. Glen Ave. bridge over 81, and a new on-ramp to I-81 southbound.

Officials say everything is running right on schedule.

The ramp connects drivers leaving Syracuse and the northern suburbs without disrupting the mainline flow of I-81.

Drivers can receive notifications about lane closures and other information in real time.

Crews can still do a variety of work in the cold except pour concrete for bridge decks.

The skills translate beyond the highway project, and can be applied to upcoming construction projects such as Micron's chip fab plant.

For example, the department of labor recently opened a jobseeker intake form to streamline the the hiring process.

The State Departments of Labor and Transportation are highlighting success with local hiring, ensuring city residents have the opportunity to work on the $2.25 billion project.